Dates With Elvis

NME

Elvis Costello returns to live action in the autumn with a lengthy and unusual tour, comprising a series of residences in intimate theatres around America, Europe and the UK. His British dates are highlighted by a six-night season at London's Royalty Theatre in Kingsway, the first time a rock star has ever performed there, from November 23 to 29. He also plays Dublin Olympia (December 1-3), Edinburgh Playhouse (5-6) and Liverpool Royal Court (8-9).

The concerts will feature sets from Elvis with The Attractions, The Costello Show, The Confederates and The Coward Brothers, also solo interludes, mystery guests and audience requests — plus the "Spectacular Spinning Songbook," a giant wheel containing 40 song titles which audience members will be invited to spin to select the random number to be played.

Costello is reunited with The Attractions and his original producer Nick Lowe on his new 11-track album Blood And Chocolate, for September 19 release (also on cassette and CD). A single from the LP precedes it on August 22 — it's a seven-minute track called "Tokyo Storm Warning," which appears in two parts on the 7" and with the previously unissued "Black Sails In The Sunset" on the 12". These releases mark the end of his relationship with RCA, and his own indie Imp label will in future be distributed via Demon.